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RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2004--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that Brian Bauerbach, general manager of laminated products at Alcoa Flexible Packaging in Richmond, VA, received the Outstanding Industrial Technologist Award from the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).

The award recognizes men and women who distinguish themselves by exemplary leadership and the application of industrial technology practices. Honorees are nominated by colleges and universities affiliated with NAIT and the nominees are reviewed by the leadership of the NAIT Industry Division. NAIT names three Outstanding Industrial Technologists each year.

To qualify for the award, nominees must have graduated at least 10 years ago from an institution with NAIT accredited programs and held progressively responsible positions in business, industry or government. Bauerbach was nominated by Dr. James F. Fales at Ohio University. He was presented with the award at the NAIT Annual Convention held on October 20-23 in Louisville, KY.

"Brian demonstrates the leadership and expertise in industrial technology that distinguishes him as one who has impact in this field," said Bruce DeRuntz, President of NAIT's Industry Division. "The National Association of Industrial Technology is proud to recognize Brian and the other recipients for their exemplary contributions to industry."

Bauerbach joined Alcoa's flexible packaging group in January 2003 as general manager of Laminated Products, which includes three manufacturing facilities where foil, paper and poly products are laminated into various structures used by the confection, pharmaceutical, tobacco, food, industrial and carton markets.

He has been with Alcoa since graduating from Ohio University with a bachelor's degree in industrial technology in 1987. Bauerbach began his career at Alcoa's Warrick Operations smelter near Evansville, Indiana, where he held various positions in maintenance management until 1993 when he joined the Rigid Packaging Division, the Alcoa business responsible for producing aluminum sheet for the beverage and food can industries and leads Alcoa's aluminum can recycling activities. Bauerbach took on assignments with increasing responsibility and eventually joined Alcoa's Closure Systems International business in 2000 as the Director of North America Manufacturing. His responsibilities there included managing eight closure manufacturing facilities across the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 120,000 employees in 42 countries and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 45 years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.

About NAIT

The National Association of Industrial Technology is the professional organization for industrial technologists working in academia and industry, and has more than 1,700 professional and student members throughout the United States. NAIT is the recognized specialized accreditation agency for 2- and 4-year Industrial Technology degree programs in the United States and operates a professional certification program for its members. More information about NAIT can be found at www.nait.org.